NEWS & EVENTS
Automation:
MINDS is pleased to offer the following Asphalt and Concrete Full plant automation software:
- BatchTronic: Full asphalt batch plant automation control
- DrumTronic: Full asphalt drum plant automation control
- MixTronic: Complete concrete plant automation control
With the number of screens ranging from one to four and a 'zero console' option,
the BatchTronic fits all types of asphalt plants and budgets. The system has the capacity
to control all asphalt plant operations or just the tower. An industrial grade computer with
security and redundancy features ensures reliable operation in all situations.
BatchTronic runs on Microsoft Windows® via a communication driver, RTX from IntervalZero,
and uses one or more unique I/O boards, depending on the asphalt plant complexity, over a real-time
TCP/IP protocol.
The human interface has been conceived with ergonomics in mind. The exact 3D representation of the actual asphalt plant reduces the learning curve needed to use the
system. The operator can actually link what is seen to the actual physical mechanisms.
Large arrays of numbers are avoided in favor of clear symbolic information. The operator is
always in control of the process which can be stopped and resumed anytime while direct control
of motors is always possible.
Timing is of the essence of batching processes. BatchTronic provides tools to understand and customize how actions are scheduled. The result
is a clear understanding of what precedes and what follows any given event. Many options are
available to fine tune the process in order to maximize asphalt plant flow rate and accuracy. In many real
life cases, these options have proven to be instrumental in dramatically improving the asphalt plants maximum
tons per hour output.
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With the number of screens ranging from one to four and a 'zero console' option, the DrumTronic fits all
types of asphalt plants and budgets. The system has the capacity to control all plant operations (including site
lighting), or only liquid asphalt and feeders. An industrial grade computer with security and redundancy
features ensures reliable operations in all situations. DrumTronic runs on Microsoft Windows® via a
communication driver, RTX from IntervalZero, and uses one or more unique I/O boards, depending on the plant
complexity, over a real-time TCP/IP protocol.
The human interface has been thoroughly designed in collaboration with actual operators. The layout of information allows for a quick understanding of the
overall workings. Delays and timing, for example, are displayed over a graphic representation of material
flow and plant layout. These types of details help to prevent errors and misinterpretation. Large arrays of
numbers are avoided, in favor of clear symbolic information.
The operator remains in control and the process can be stopped and resumed anytime while direct control of motors is always possible.
The software can control silo storage, including complex conveying layouts, ensuring a clean and precise
change of silo following a mix change. The software can be linked to additional users through the eRoutes™
platform, providing totals, consumption and inventory usage.
Download our Plant Control System Flyer
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Mixtronic is dedicated to concrete plant control. It shares the same underlying platform as the other automation products from MINDS: A 3D representation of the actual
plant, a human interface designed to facilitate understanding and efficient interoperability with the operator. The
system runs under Microsoft Windows® with real-time communication driver RTX driving one or more I/O boards of the
same type.
The Mix entry page covers all the numerous cases found in concrete batching and allows the operator to select easy
timing sequences and order of entry for each component. Many options allow for fine tuning of the way the process is
controlled. The system can be interfaced with dispatching software provided by Systech and has been integrated with
eRoutes™.
Multilingual support allows language changes on the fly to accommodate different countries and operator languages. The MixTronic system
has an online help component that provides contextual information to the operator. Remote control and monitoring is also available.
